Bite of a Mite: A Case of Human Otoacariasis caused by Cosmoglyphus Species (Acari: Acaridae)

Abstract

Otoacariasis or parasitic otitis, is the infestation of the ear with ticks/mites and is a common condition in the livestock and domestic animals. Although, less common, cases of human otoacariasis caused by mites can be occupational in origin and ear being in permanent contact with biotic elements of the biosphere is one of the commonest organs predisposed for various microorganisms to settle in. The local lesions observed in otitis such as skin congestion, increased vascular permeability and raised temperature creates favourable conditions for their development. We here describe a unique case of human otoacariasis caused by mixed aetiology–mites, fungi and bacteria in a 45-year-old female, a grain dealer by profession. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of human otoacariasis by Cosmoglyphus (Acari: Acaridae) species.

Keywords

• acinetobacter
• aspergillus
• hypopi
• otoacariasis